Devices for applying pressure to auto fuel tanks



Oct. 18, 1960 A. w. HAGER 2,956,737

DEVICES FOR APPLYING PRESSURE TO AUTO FUEL TANKS Filed Dec. 12, 1958 INVENTOR. Aka/Ms /l. #4652 j. BY

United States Patent O 2356,53? nEv'IcEs FOR APPLYING PRESSURE T AUTO FUEL TANKS Archie W. Hager, Rte. 1, Glenwood Springs, Colo. Filed Dec. 12, 1958, Ser. No. 779,ss1 1 Claim. 01. 230169) This invention relates to means for forcing fuel to flow from the gas tank of an automotive vehicle to the carburetor thereof. The flow of fuel to the carburetor will occasionally become interrupted due to many reasons, such as: a vapor lock caused by overheating portions of the fuel line; moisture in the fuel; sediment in the line; etc. Occasions will also arise where, the entire fuel line has become evacuated due to an empty tank. When the tank is refilled, it is difficult to prime the fuel pump so as to initiate the flow of fuel.

The principal object of this invention, is to provide a simple, easily carried, easily applied, and easily used pressure pump, which can be quickly and easily applied to the filling neck of the fuel tank to create pneumatic pressure on the fuel therein so as to force it through the fuel line to overcome the above interruptions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a highly efficient attachment device for a pneumatic pressure pump which can be quickly and easily hermetically sealed to tank filling necks of various diameters so that it will be applicable for use on the tanks of various makes of automobiles without the necessity for adapting devices.

Other objects and advantages reside in the detail construction of the invention, which is designed for simplicity, economy, and efiiciency. These will become more apparent from the following description.

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawing which forms a part hereof. Like numerals refer to like parts in all views of the drawing and throughout the description.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a conventional automotive fuel tank, with the outline of the vehicle shown in broken line, illustrating the improved pressure pump in place and ready for use;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the improved fuel tank pressure pump;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail section through a connecting cup employed on the improved pump illustrating it in a first position on the improved pump; and

Fig. 4 is a side view of the connecting cup illustrating it in a second position on the improved pump.

In Fig. 1, the outline of an automotive vehicle is indicated in broken line at with a fuel reservoir or tank 11 in place therein. The tank 11 is provided with the conventional filler neck 12 and a conventional fuel line 13 extends from the tank 11 to the carburetor or fuel pump of the vehicle. This invention is designed for use where it is necessary to force the flow of fuel from the tank 11 through the fuel line 12.

The improved fuel pump employs a hollow, compressible, pressure bulb 14 of rubber, neoprene or similar elastic material. The bulb 14 is provided with an inner neck 15 and an outer neck 16. An inwardly opening check valve 17 of any of the conventional types at present used upon atomizers, pressure syringes, and the like is positioned in the outer neck 16. A discharge nipple f 2,956,737 Patented "0a. is, 1960 ice 18 connects the inner neck 15 with a second check valve 19 of any conventional type which will allow air to flow from the bulb 14 but will prevent air from returning through the nipple 18. An elongated nozzle tube 20 extends from the second check valve 19 and a flexible resilient coupling cup 21 is frictionally fitted over the nozzle tube 20. i

It is desired to call attention to the construction of the coupling cup 21 which is shown more in detail in Figs. 3 and 4. Measurement of the filler necks 12 of the majority of popular makes of automobiles disclosed that these necks occurred in three outside diameters, to wit, 2", 2%, and 2 /2", and that on certain makes, the necks had an inside diameter of 1 /8". The cup 21 therefore, is designed to fit to and seal to these four popular neck diameters. This is accomplished by forming the cup 21 in a conical cup-shape with an open large extremity and a closed small extremity. A first internal ridge 22, of an internal diameter, say 2%", to fit snugly, when stretched, over a 2 /2 filler neck is formed within the periphery of the open extremity. A second internal ridge 23 having an internal diameter to fit snugly, when stretched, over a 2%" filler neck is spaced inwardly from the ridge 22, and a third internal ridge 24 of an internal diameter to fit snugly, when stretched, over a 2" filler neck is spaced inwardly from the second ridge 23. An external ridge 25 is formed about the smaller diameter extremity of the cup. This external ridge has a diameter to fit snugly, when compressed, within a 1%" filler neck.

The cup 21 is provided with an elongated, axiallypositioned tubular sleeve which projects within the cup, as shown at 26, and which extends from closed extremity of the cup as shown at 27. The internal diameter of this sleeve is slightly less than the external diameter of the nozzle tube 20 so that when it is slipped over the tube, it will seal itself thereto and retain itself thereon due to the natural inherent elasticity of the material from which it is formed.

For use on all filler necks where it is desired to surround the exterior of the neck, the cup is placed on the nozzle tube 20 with the open extremity facing outwardly as shown in Fig. 3. It is then, simply forced down over the neck 12 and the latter will snap past the ridges 22, 23, or 24 until it has passed the ridge of the proper diameter. For use on the interior of a filler neck, the cup is reversed, as shown in Fig. 4, and forced within the neck to seal the external ridge 25 therewithin. The sealing is also assisted by the natural flare of the conical exterior of the cup.

It is believed the use of the device will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art. It is operated by simply repeatedly compressing the bulb 14 in the hand to pump air into the tank 11 so as to subject the fuel therein to pneumatic pressure suificient to force the fuel through the fuel line 13 and to the vehicle fuel pump or carburetor. Sediment and moisture in the line will be forced into the sediment bulb of the conventional fuel pump and all air and vapors will be forced from the line. The device is sufliciently small, lightweight, and economical to be conveniently carried in the tool kit of the automobile or of the automobile mechanic.

While a specific form of the improvement has been described and illustrated herein, it is to be understood that the same may be varied within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed and desired secured by Letters Patent is:

A pressure pump for placement on a filler neck of an automobile vehicle fuel tank comprising: an air pumping device; a pneumatic tube extending from said device;

and a flaring resilient conical cup having a smaller extremity and a larger extremity, said larger extremity being open; an end wall closing said smaller extremity and provided with an axial opening through which said pneumatic tube is passed; an elongated resilient internal tubular sleeve surrounding said opening and projecting into said cup; a similar external sleeve surrounding said opening and projecting from said end Wall, saidsleeves having a normal internal diameter less than the diameter of said pneumatic tube so as to grip and seal to the latter due to their inherent resiliency; a plurality of spaced annular internal sealing ridges formed in said cup; and an integral external sealing ridge formed integrally with and surrounding the smaller extremity of said cup, said cup being placeable on the extremity of said pneumatic tube with its larger extremity directed to surround and seal said internal ridges to the exterior of said filling neck, and adapted when placed in reverse position on said pneumatic tube with its smaller extremity directed to enter said filling neck, to seal said external sealing ridge and the external surface of said conical cup to the interior of said filling neck.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

